Faith and Suicidal Ideation: Young Nigerians’ Voices on Pastoral Care Gaps
Continuous reports of suicide cases match efforts to prevent suicide. Various sectors and groups are exploring and initiating mental health awareness campaigns. This paper examines the key issue of how faith communities can provide more effective support to individuals experiencing emotional distress and suicidal thoughts. Focus group discussions with young Nigerian university students aged 15 to 35 who have survived these conditions are used to focus on this issue. These young people had inadequate or no support from their faith communities. Notable contributors to their mental health crises include academic stress, family dysfunction, financial hardship and social expectations. The study reveals a disconnect between the pastoral care provided and the actual needs of those affected: compassion, empathy, practical support and confidentiality. The study recommends a holistic pastoral care model that combines emotional intelligence with spiritual and material support.
Keywords: Suicidal ideation, Pastoral care, Mental health, Faith communities